Boehner Statement on CBO Confirmation that Dems’ Government Takeover Will Increase Cost of Americans’ Health Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2009 | PERMALINK CONTACT: Michael Steel, Kevin Smith, Steve Forde - (202) 225-4000

Boehner Statement on CBO Confirmation that Dems' Government Takeover Will Increase Cost of Americans' Health Care

WASHINGTON, DC - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Douglas Elmendorf confirmed to the Senate Budget Committee today that congressional Democrats' government takeover of health care will drive health care costs even higher for American families:         "Americans are concerned about the rising costs of health care, but instead of alleviating those fears, the Democrats government takeover will drive health care costs even higher.  The Director of the Congressional Budget Office today confirmed that the Democrats' government-run plan will make health care more costly than ever, making clear that one of the Democrats' chief talking points is pure fiction.  Are Democrats in Congress listening?  Is the President listening?  Americans pay too much for health care already.  Why should Washington consider a plan that will force them to pay even more?          "Health care reform is too important to get wrong, and Americans deserve better solutions from Washington – ones that help lower health care costs instead of driving them even higher, as the Democrats' government takeover does.  Republicans have proposed an alternative plan that reins-in junk lawsuits, roots out waste, fraud, and abuse, and gives states, small businesses, and families new tools to make affordable health care more accessible.  Democrats should scrap their plan that will drive costs even higher and work with Republicans on real solutions to make health care more affordable."         NOTE: The Associated Press reports, "Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf warned lawmakers the legislation that he has seen so far would raise costs, not lower them.  Elmendorf was asked by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., if the bills Congress is considering would 'bend the cost curve.'  The budget director responded: 'The curve is being raised.'"

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